Getting into dangerous situations is to be expected when you go on a hiking vacation. But did you know that majority of the outdoor survival situations that occur each year can be prevented with just a little preparation and foresight? A survival situation can happen to anyone, regardless of how many hiking vacations you’ve taken or how few. It doesn’t always result from inexperience and recklessness. However, if you want to have the best time in your hiking vacation while at the same time keeping yourself safe as well as your family, then follow the 5 survival tips below:
Always leave a travel plan with someone.
A travel plan is a basically a list of the possible places you are going to cover during your hiking vacation and during your return. It doesn’t have to be detailed. You can even just use a map and mark the places you’re going to be. That way, in case you do become lost, searchers will know the areas where they ought to concentrate their efforts.
Carry a few basic items in case you do have to spend the night.
Your list of packing must-haves should include a garbage bag, lighter, whistle, pocketknife, and water bottle. This is the bare minimum that should accompany you whenever you go on a hiking trip, regardless of whether it’s just a day hike or a long hike. They cover the basics from shelter and water to fire.
However, depending on your outdoor activity, skill level, and the climate you live in, you may need to carry more extensive gear.
Pack some basic gear you can turn into a quick shelter.
One example of this is a garbage bag. Bringing along a garbage bag in your hiking vacation is a good idea as it can be converted into a shelter easily. Just cut a slit in the middle of the closed end and then pull it over your head. This bag-turned-shelter is amazing and packs easily in pockets, costs pennies, and can save your life.
Hypothermia occurs even in 50 degree weather so having some means of making shelter quickly is a good survival tip.
Carry a wool cap with you in your vehicle and in your daypack.
If your head is exposed, eighty percent of your body heat gets drained, so if there’s anything at all you must protect when out in a hiking vacation, it’s your head. If you are without a cap, use a sock or a bandanna. You can use anything, as long as you keep your head warm.
Get into the habit of carrying at least three fire making sources on you.
Carrying a lighter around is a good survival tip. However, having just one fire making source while on a hiking vacation won’t quite do it. The lighter might have gotten wet and wouldn’t light up anymore. That’s why packing a spark rod and windproof matches in your pants pocket or pack is a good idea too.
You will most likely be making a fire in rainy or adverse weather. It’s tricky, but maneuverable. Just gather the dead twigs of evergreens such as pine, fir, or spruce around. They resinous so they will ignite quicker than any other wood.
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